Charles was a graduate of Baileysville High School, where he received a football scholarship. After graduation, Charles joined the Navy and was stationed in Norfolk, VA, on the USS Orion submarine. He was the football captain in both the Navy and high school.
After leaving the Navy, he married Mary Patrinicola and moved to Washington, DC. They have resided in Woodbridge, VA, for 45 years. Charles worked for the railroad for 41 years and retired from CSX as a conductor. He enjoyed fishing, playing pinochle, traveling world-wide. He played the banjo and harmonica.
On June 21, 2008, Charles entered into the Kingdom of Heaven. He was born on July 4, 1932 in North Spring, WV, Wyoming County. He was the first born of the late Charles and Tessie (Thornsbury) Porter. He was preceded in death by two brothers, Edward Lee and Cleve, one sister, Ella Mae Lester, brothers-in-law, Tommy Shupe and Arvin Trent, and nephew Zach Porter.
Those left to cherish his memory is his loving wife of 53 years, Mary, daughter Theresa Moyer and grandchildren Charles and Hailey of Perryville, MD. Daughter Maria Porter-Toure' and husband Oumar, who was like the son he never had, and grandchildren Charles Khalif and Angelo Sidi, of Bowling Green, VA. Brothers; Doug (Janet), Edgar (Donna), Joe, Tim, all of Ohio. Steve (Robin) of NC. Sisters Juanita Trent of Ohio and Barbara Shupe of Florida. In-laws Alma Porter and Hassel Lester. He is loved by a host of nieces and nephews.
In his life he portrayed the example of honesty and integrity for all to follow. He was a man of great strength and compassion and shared his humorous, sarcastic demeanor with everyone he encountered. He was a loving husband and the greatest father that his two daughters could ever ask for. He was a hero to his grandchildren and his memory will endure in our hearts for eternity.